A private jet crashed during takeoff in a snowstorm in Maine, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least six individuals. The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Challenger 600, a model known for previous incidents related to ice accumulating on its wings, leading to crashes.
The fatal incident occurred at Bangor International Airport around 7:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, amidst the onset of a significant winter storm across the nation. Airport authorities confirmed that six people were on board the flight based on the manifest, and unfortunately, all passengers lost their lives in the crash.
Initially, the Federal Aviation Administration reported seven fatalities, with one crew member reportedly surviving. However, these figures were deemed preliminary and subject to change. None of the individuals involved were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Although heavy snowfall affected various regions at the time of the crash, Bangor had only just begun to experience accumulation, with other planes successfully taking off from the airport.
The jet was registered under a corporation linked to an address in Houston, Texas, which is associated with the law firm Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers. The law firm’s founding partner serves as the registered agent for the company owning the aircraft.
Audio Recording Reveals Distress
Recordings from air traffic controllers captured distressing moments, including a statement indicating the aircraft had flipped over during takeoff. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene following the incident, as confirmed by Bangor airport director Jose Saavedra.
Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti highlighted the Challenger 600’s historical issues with icing during takeoff, emphasizing the risks associated with even minimal ice accumulation on the wings. Proper deicing procedures would have been crucial before the ill-fated flight, although it remains uncertain whether this safety measure was implemented.
The Bombardier Challenger 600, a spacious business jet designed for up to 11 passengers, was introduced in 1980 by Canadair, later acquired by Bombardier. Notably, it was the first private jet to feature a walk-around cabin.
Bangor International Airport serves as a hub offering direct flights to various cities, including Orlando, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte. Situated approximately 320 kilometers north of Boston and 180 kilometers west of the New Brunswick border, the airport faced disruptions due to the adverse weather conditions sweeping across the eastern U.S.
Over the weekend, the widespread storm led to extensive flight disruptions, with approximately 12,000 cancellations and almost 20,000 delays recorded on Sunday, according to flight tracker data. Major airports in Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey experienced significant impacts from the severe weather.